Where to start? 2012 Marathon

[bean bunny]

I am planning to run the 2012 Disney Marathon I've never run a marathon before and I'm looking for help - suggestions as to where to start. I'll be starting from literally SCRATCH. Haven't run in a long time but I'm excited for the challenge that DH and I are taking on together and know I can be in racing mode by Jan 2012. Thank you for any suggestions!

 

[FFigawi]

Since you're starting from scratch, the best place to start is at your local specialty running store to get fitted for a good pair of running shoes. They can analyze your gait and running style and find you a pair that suits your body and your body's mechanics.

The next place to start is the Couch to 5k training program. It's a program specifically designed to get new runners from zero base to runs of three miles within a few months. It helps you build up slowly and carefully so you don't injure yourself by going too far too fast. If the store can't help you find a local training group that offers this kind of program, you can find details about it online here: Couch to 5k

Once you've got your base built up to where you can handle a 5k, you'll be ready to start a novice level marathon training program like the ones from Hal Higdon, Jeff Galloway, or Jenny Hadfield and John Bingham. Again, your local running store should be able to help you find local groups to train with. The long runs you'll eventually get to are more fun when you can run them with someone else.

There's a lot more to doing a marathon than what I've mentioned above, so keep coming back to this board where there's a great group of people to support you all the way.

 

[deleckidesign]

I am planning on this being my first marathon as well. I have ran 1 half last year and have 3 planned for this year! This board and its members are a wealth of knowledge!

 

[elanorasmom]

Also, someone on the boards recommended the couch to 5 k program you can get on itunes to me - there is one with no music, just a voice. If you have a program like Garageband on Mac, you can then put your own music to the voice.

I started in July with the C25K and then went from there. As incentive, I signed up for the 2011 Jan 5K. After completing the C25K, I thought, I can do this! So with some DisBoards encouragement, I signed up for the half!

I trained with using Hal Higdon's novice training list (mentioned above) and the Galloway method. (2:1 intervals).

I also recommend getting a Garmin watch. I resisted for a long time but once I bought it, it really got me into running outside and understanding how to pace myself.

Jennifer

 

[cewait]

Echoing John

Runing Shoes, Running Shoes Running Shoes. If there is one expense that you cannot avoid is that of a great pair of ruinning shoes. Go to a running store where they will look at your feet, your gait and your goals. A good running store is not a Dick Sporting Goods or Wal Mart or another big box store.

Next get a plan. There are several out there. The Couch to 5k is a great primer on getting back into the run. Your goal over the next 10-12 weeks is to be running regularly and up to a distance of 5 miles on the weekend. While running you want to remain conversational, that is able to hold a conversation with someone you are running with.

Find a marathon plan. There are three great beginner plans, Galloway is now the official Disney Coach, Bingham and his marathoning for mortals and Higdon who has a lot of coaching history.

Finally, work backwards from the 2012 date and make sure to start your training plan accordingly. Generally, mid July is a time to seriously evaluate if you are ready to go.

Find a running group. Friends and groups tend to create accountability.


MOST IMPORTANTLY - get a running log. Log miles, times time of day weather and what shoes you wore. Running shoes have a life of between 300 and 500 miles. running too far in a pair of worn out shoes is a quick way to get to know your local orthopedic.

Rwally the final thought. Have Fun

 

[bean bunny]

Thank you all for the great information and suggestions! Hope to join you all next year

 

[FireDancer]

I want to reiterate the trip to the running store not only for shoes but for some running apparel, especially socks. Cotton is the enemy.

If I were starting from scratch I'd start with the Couch to 5K program already mentioned and then graduate to one of the marathon plans. I am using Hal Higdon's plan but Marathoning for Mortals is good as is the Galloway method. Just look at them and decide which fits your style and goals best.

I would also sign up for some local races, even if they are only small 5K's. It will let you experience the atmosphere of a race and make any rookie mistakes the first time locally as opposed to at a race down in FL that cost over $100.

 

[PrincessAndrea'sMom]

I am also new to running, but not to fitness. Check out my blog about training for the Princess half marathon.

http://pumpkintoprincess.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow, I am hitting the Flying Feet, our local specialty sports store, to get some good running shoes.

 

[johde]

Welcome and Good luck. You've gotten alot of good advice here already. Going along with Frank (FireDancer's) suggestion, I would consider doing a several local races. To start with, a 5K this spring and a 1/2 marathon in the fall. If you think you're going to be faster than a 12:30 mile pace, you might also want to throw in a 10K for corral placement.

I would also highly recommend John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield's "Marathoning for Mortals". I've used their training plans for the 2 half marathons I've done so far and the plan I'm currently doing for my third is based on their plan (with some galloway inspired speedwork and extended long runs thrown in). Even if you don't like the plans, the book has alot of motivation, tempered with reality.

 

[Katieinwonderland]

I'm planning on running my first marathon next year too! I've been talking about doing it for a couple of years but never committed to anything - finally I decided to just do it! A friend of mine runs all the Disney races every year, including the marathons, and she offered to train me. We only started three weeks ago but so far so good! I hadn't picked up running shoes yet, I've just been wearing sneakers - I guess that's something I'll have to get around to buying pretty soon.

I've been trying to decide between running the Royal Family 5K in February or the Champion 5K ESPN weekend in March, but haven't made a decision yet. I've done 5Ks and 10Ks before but they've never been terribly successful, I'm hoping to do better this time with some training behind me! Disney races will be my local races so I'm going to try to fit in as many as I can to see how I'm doing.